Can I put 87 gas in my Acura TLX?
As a car owner, understanding the fuel requirements of your vehicle is crucial for optimal performance and longevity. The Acura TLX, known for its luxury and performance, has specific fuel recommendations that can impact its efficiency and engine health. In this article, we will explore whether using 87 octane gasoline is suitable for your Acura TLX.
Understanding Octane Ratings
Octane ratings measure a fuel's ability to resist knocking or pinging during combustion. Higher octane fuels can withstand greater compression before igniting, which is particularly important for high-performance engines. The Acura TLX is designed to run on premium fuel, typically rated at 91 octane or higher. However, many drivers wonder if using 87 octane fuel is a viable option.
Can You Use 87 Octane in an Acura TLX?
While it is technically possible to use 87 octane gasoline in your Acura TLX, it is not recommended. Here are some key points to consider:
- Engine Performance: The TLX's engine is engineered for higher octane fuel, which allows it to perform optimally. Using 87 octane may lead to reduced power and acceleration.
- Fuel Efficiency: Lower octane fuel can result in decreased fuel efficiency. You may find yourself making more frequent trips to the gas station.
- Engine Knock: Using 87 octane can increase the likelihood of engine knocking, which can cause long-term damage to your engine.
- Warranty Considerations: Using a lower octane fuel than recommended may void certain warranties or service agreements.
What Happens If You Use 87 Octane?
If you accidentally fill your Acura TLX with 87 octane fuel, it is unlikely to cause immediate harm. However, you may notice:
- Decreased engine performance and responsiveness.
- Increased engine noise due to knocking.
- Potential long-term damage if used consistently over time.
Conclusion
In summary, while you can use 87 octane gasoline in your Acura TLX, it is not advisable. For the best performance, fuel efficiency, and engine health, it is recommended to stick with the manufacturer's fuel guidelines and use premium gasoline. Always consult your owner's manual for specific fuel recommendations to ensure your vehicle runs smoothly for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I put regular gas in my Acura?
Your Acura can handle regular gas, but it won't run quite as effectively. So if you want the best performance, premium is the way to go. Additionally, high-performance vehicles have higher needs than your standard economy car.
What if I accidentally put 87 instead of 89?
It shouldn't cause your vehicle any harm. The ECM (Engine Control Module) will compensate for the lower octane fuel. You might notice a drop in engine performance and possibly lower fuel economy; but nothing detrimental.
Can I put 87 in my Acura TLX?
If you're the proud owner of a new Acura sedan or SUV, Premium unleaded 91 octane fuel is required to make it run – and recommended for the following Acura models: Acura Integra. Acura TLX. Acura RDX.
Does it matter if I put 89 instead of 87?
Adding mid-grade gas to a car that uses 87-octane will waste the extra money put into the tank. 89 gas will not make your car go faster. If a manufacturer recommends premium gas, you can still use 87-octane, but it might cause problems to your car's engine.
Will my car mess up if I put regular gas in it?
With regular kill your ride. Well the short answer is no so in a pinch you can use regular. But you will likely hear an engine knock. And you might notice a degrade in performance.
What happens if I put 87 octane in my car?
If you put lower-octane fuel into your high-octane vehicle, whether by mistake or to save money on gas, you'll probably notice the effects right away: things like poor fuel economy, reduced acceleration, and spark knock, which sounds like a high-pitched pinging or rattling noise.
Does the Acura TLX need premium fuel?
According to Acura, the Acura NSX requires premium gas. For models like the RDX, MDX, TLX, RLX, and ILX, premium gas is recommended.
What happens if you put regular gas in a premium car?
However, remember this: when a premium fuel engine runs on regular fuel, there's a risk of combustion of the fuel mix before the spark plug even lights up. This causes a phenomenon called knocking, which is likely to damage the engine. Although Mazda recommends using premium fuel, they don't require it.
Are Acura TLX good on gas?
The base 2022 TLX trim gets up to 22mpg in the city and 31 miles per gallon highway. If a 4-cylinder TLX trim level is configured with SH-AWD, its fuel efficiency will drop slightly to 21 miles per gallon city and 29 highway mpg.
How reliable is an Acura TLX?
Quality and Reliability 79.0/100
The 2025 Acura TLX has a predicted reliability score of 79 out of 100. A J.D. Power predicted reliability score of 91-100 is considered the Best, 81-90 is Great, 70-80 is Average and 0-69 is Fair and considered below average.
